Candidate for Interior Minister reports “improved” crime statistics, presents plans to Parliament

Vakhtang Gomelauri, Georgia's candidate for the Minister of Internal Affairs, on Tuesday presented a report to the Parliament highlighting improvements in crime statistics and priorities for his office, as part of the legislative body’s vote of confidence in the Government following last month’s general elections. 

The official claimed the overall crime situation in the country had shown “significant improvement” over the recent years. 

Criminal statistics clearly demonstrate that the crime situation in the country is steadily calm and improving over the years”, he said, adding the “statistics confirm that, in particular, six categories of crime - premeditated murder, attempted premeditated murder, burglary, robbery, armed robbery and hooliganism - have seen a marked decline”. 

He further noted the crime-solving rate had reached an “all-time high” of 64.87 percent, which he called an “unprecedented figure both domestically and internationally”. 

Cybercrime and organised crime focus

Gomelauri also outlined ongoing efforts to combat organised crime, saying interdepartmental cooperation remained a priority. He noted the development of a new National Strategy for Combating Organised Crime, which he said was slated for approval by the Georgian Government.

 Special attention will be given to cybercrime”, he explained. “We plan to increase the number of police officers with appropriate qualifications and deepen operational cooperation with European and American authorities”. 

Enhancing law enforcement training

The official said the “key aspect” of the Ministry’s reform agenda included strengthening of law enforcement personnel's capabilities. 

He highlighted the Ministry’s “successful retraining” programme, which he said had seen  nearly 8,000 law enforcement officers participate in advanced courses last year. 

The Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs will continue to develop educational programmes, including a new bachelor’s degree programme that will offer both academic and professional education for law enforcement officers”, Gomelauri said.

Gomelauri outlined the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen international police cooperation through an expanded network of police attachés.

One of the priorities for the Ministry is the expansion of the network of police attachés. Currently, 19 police attachés operate across 38 states and collaborate with two international organisations, Europol and NATO", he said.

He also highlighted recent advancements in the Ministry's operational capabilities, including the acquisition of three multifunctional H145 helicopters.

The Ministry has purchased and is already using three H145 helicopters under a signed agreement. These helicopters are multifunctional, capable of performing police, transport, search and rescue operations. They are fully equipped with firefighting and mountain rescue equipment", Gomelauri noted.

Acknowledging police officers' dedication

Gomelauri also expressed his gratitude to the police force for their dedication, saying “successes of the Ministry are the result of the hard work of our police officers” and adding “I want to thank every one of them for their faithful service to our country”. 

Improving social protection for law enforcement

Gomelauri said a new legislative initiative by his body, effective since May, aimed to improve social guarantees for law enforcement personnel and others receiving state compensation. 

We are committed to enhancing the social protection of our officers [including retirees], ensuring they are supported as they continue their vital work”, he said.

Criminal Police reform

Gomelauri confirmed his office was continuing a reform of the  Criminal Police institution, which he said had already separated operational, investigative, and precinct functions to “increase efficiency”.

The official concluded his speech by reaffirming his confidence in the direction of Government and law enforcement reforms. 

The Parliament is set to approve the new Government this week.